Method for optical measurement of objects using a triangulation method

Abstract

A method for optically measuring an object by means of an optical recording apparatus includes a triangulation method. A first shutter means is used to produce a first pattern and to project the first pattern as a first projection beam onto the object to be measured. At least one further shutter means is used to produce a further pattern and to project the further pattern as a further projection beam onto the object to be measured. The first pattern and the further pattern are passed back from the object as observation beams and are recorded by at least one recording means in order to obtain a three-dimensional data record of the object. The projected first pattern and the further pattern are recorded at the same time in at least one triangulation recording using the at least one recording means.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / EP2008 / 065627, filed Nov. 14, 2008, which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2007 054 907.7, filed Nov. 15, 2007. The entire disclosure of each prior application is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention relates to a method for optical measurement of the three dimensional geometry of objects and is concerned with the task of 3D scanning when there is relative movement between the camera and the object when being scanned, particularly for dental purposes.[0004]2. Prior Art[0005]Digital design data for the computer-assisted production of dental prosthetic items without having to create the usual impression can be acquired by optically scanning one or more teeth in a patient's mouth.[0006]For such scanning, use is frequently made of measuring methods based on the principle of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a method for optical measurement of the three-dimensional geometry of an object using triangulation with a laser recording apparatus. The apparatus creates structured patterns on the object and projects them onto the object simultaneously, resulting in a higher degree of precision and accuracy compared to traditional methods. The method can be used in dental scanning and other applications where on-the-fly measurement is necessary. The recorded data is combined to form a 3D data set of the object. The invention also includes a method for assigning measurement points to the structured patterns using a binary code method or a phase shift method, which provides higher precision.

Problems solved by technology

The disadvantage of the described measuring methods involving triangulation is that, due to the fact that a sequence of individual images is created and then a set of at least two images is combined to form an overall image, any camera-shake of the recording apparatus relative to the object between the individual can result in image defects.

An on-the-fly measurement of the object, in which several complete images of the object are created in short periods of time, is thus impossible.

The present problem is to provide a method for optical measurement of objects by means of triangulation, particularly for dental purposes, which method is to be capable of allowing on-the-fly measurement.

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